Stormwatch

Flu cases remain steady across W.Va.

BECKLEY - Cases of the flu across West Virginia are remaining steady, after an early start to the flu season several weeks ago.

Fewer than 1,400 flu cases have been confirmed across the state, according to state public health officials.

Raleigh General Hospital has been seeing 40 to 50 patients with the flu during the past few weeks. The elderly and young are particularly vulnerable to the flu, according to nurses at the hospital.

The vaccine can either prevent influenza or diminish its severity. "Having influenza may just take you out of work for a week [or] two and you feel really, really bad. But it can result in death," said Infection Control Nurse Nancy Ward.

People interested in getting a flu vaccine should check with their county health department or health care provider for more information. Vaccines are running low at this point.